What Is a Browser?

A browser is an app that opens and displays the text, pictures, and videos you see when you visit a website. Computers, tablets, and smartphones all have a browser installed by default. You are not, however, limited to the default browser.

Browser choices

Your computer or mobile device came with a default browser. Windows computers come with the Edge® browser. Apple devices, including Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads, come with the Safari® browser. Android smartphones feature the Chrome® browser. These are the most popular browsers:

Chrome

Made by Google. Chrome is the default browser on Chromebooks and Android devices. Chrome can be downloaded and installed on Windows computers and works well with Gmail and other Google products.

Edge

Made by Microsoft. Edge is the default browser for Windows. Microsoft has developed Edge to be fast and use few computer resources. Edge has several features, like reading mode, that most other browsers lack.

Firefox    

Independent browser created and maintained by the non-profit Mozilla foundation. Excellent choice for those wanting an extra layer of privacy.

Safari

Made by Apple. Default browser on all Apple products (Mac computers, iPhones, iPads). Safari is not available for Windows computers.

Less popular browsers that are designed for increased privacy include Tor and Brave.